Capital’s Artists Tell a Bohemian Story
Images | astanaopera.kz
Astana Opera’s bright soloists and talented attendees of the Astana Opera International Opera Academy debuted with great success as the heroes of one of the most often staged operas in the world - Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème. The performances took place at the opera house’s Grand Hall, Astana Opera press office reports.
Thus, on January 13, the opera house’s soloist, soprano Madina Islamova, took the stage for the first time as Mimì, and young bass Valeriy Selivanov made his debut as Alcindoro. It should be noted that Astana Opera’s soloists presented the characters of the opera: Medet Chotabayev masterfully performed Rodolfo, Yelena Ganzha prepared Musetta, and Dinmukhamed Koshkinbayev sang her romantic partner Marcello. Yerzhan Saipov gave an inspired portrayal of Schaunard, and Bolat Yessimkhanov sang Colline. Talgat Galeyev performed the comedic role of Benoît, and Talgat Allabirinov offered an interesting interpretation of Parpignol. Customs Sergeant - Nurlybek Kosparmakov, Soldier - Yeskendir Sadvakassov.
The next day, the Astana Opera International Opera Academy attendees Nematillo Zkrullaev and Merei Kadyrkhanov debuted as Benoît and Parpignol. Bibigul Zhanuzak presented her interpretation of Mimì to the audience, and Ramzat Balakishiev performed her beloved Rodolfo. Saltanat Akhmetova cut a brilliant figure as Musetta, Marcello - Dinmukhamed Koshkinbayev. Shyngys Rassylkhan prepared Colline, Schaunard - Yerzhan Saipov. Alcindoro - Valeriy Selivanov, Customs Sergeant - Nurlybek Kosparmakov, Soldier - Yeskendir Sadvakassov.
The large-scale production staged by renowned director Andrea Bernard, in which all the advanced technical features of the stage were used to full advantage, captivated the audience. And it is not surprising: the stunningly beautiful set design elements disappeared and reappeared right before the eyes of the viewers, and realistically executed video projections perfectly complemented the action taking place onstage. Grand two-tier set pieces, train riding onto the stage and other finds caused a storm of delight each time. Each of the scenes was special, and the capital’s theatregoers were able to fully feel the atmosphere of the 1900s. It was in this era that the production team set the famous story of the romantically minded garret dwellers of the Latin Quarter of Paris.
Internationally acclaimed specialist in Puccini repertoire, Italian Maestro Giuseppe Acquaviva took the helm of the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra that evening. The outstanding composer’s melodious, emotive music performed by the orchestra artists was distinguished by its extraordinary harmony and expressiveness. The performance also featured the opera house’s choir, ballet and supernumeraries. The crowd scene with a rotating carousel, adorned with lamps and horses, which fully reflected the represented era, was one of the most spectacular. On the carousel, the audience could see clowns, jugglers, acrobats and many other colorful characters dressed in a wide variety of bright costumes that emphasized all the nuances of the fashion of that time. Thus, a great example of opera art, which occupies an important place in Astana Opera’s repertoire, gained new fans that evening.
It is worth emphasizing that the opera house’s principal choirmaster Yerzhan Dautov is responsible for the superb sound of the choir, and choirmasters Altynganym Akhmetova and Aigerim Amangeldiyeva carried out the work with the young artists of the children’s studio. Assistant stage director of the production is Yerenbak Toikenov, the opera company director is Azamat Zheltyrguzov.
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Images | polisia.kz
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The press service of the Astana Police Department commented: "A criminal case has been opened. Expertise has been ordered and an investigation is underway. Other information is not disclosed in the interests of the investigation."
Earlier, on May 7, with the assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Karina was provided with an opportunity to safely get home and, most importantly, she reunited with her children. Karina’s mother shared her gratitude with the fund through social media.
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54,276 flood-hit Kazakhstanis return to their homes
Images | Ministry of Emergency Situations
Water was pumped out from 451 homes and 43 household plots in North Kazakhstan. 784 homes and 364 household plots are still inundated, Kazinform News Agency cites the Kazakh Emergencies Ministry.
255,512 cubic meters of water have been pumped away so far.
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17,637 cubic meters of meltwater were pumped out from 10,470 homes and 3,258 household plots. 54,276 people returned their homes.
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Counselor at Kazakh embassy in UAE to be recalled due to assault allegations made by his wife
Images | Depositphotos
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We are urgently recalling this employee to Kazakhstan. Now law enforcement agencies will deal with his case," the Ministry said in a statement regarding the situation with violence against the diplomat’s wife.
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Dina, hello! I am Mamash Karina Gosmanovna. I declare that I have been subjected to violence for 10 years. I want my husband to be deprived of his diplomatic status and put in prison for all the abuses that he committed against me. Physical, sexual, emotional, economic, domestic, domestic violence", she said in the message.
The recent law on domestic violence against women and children signed by the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on April 15, is yet to come into power.
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Over 50,000 flood victims return their homes after floods
Images | Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Water pump-out works are ongoing around-the-clock in Kulsary town of Atyrau region, city of Petropavlovsk and Kyzylzhar district of the North Kazakhstan region after devastating floods hit ten regions of the country, Kazinform News Agency learned from the Ministry of Emergencies.
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Flood relief efforts involve 11,502 people, 1,298 specialized vehicles, 329 pieces of water pumping equipment, 68 boats and six aircraft.
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Kostenko mine worker awarded Yenbek Danky Order, III Degree
Images | Qarmet
Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev decreed to award underground electrician of the Kostenko mine of the Qarmet JSC Aibar Kossanov the Yenbek Danky Order, III Degree, Kazinform News Agency cites the Akorda press service.
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Smoke spread was eliminated at 07:45 pm. Despite that, a decision was taken to evacuate 194 miners who were underground at the moment.
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48,750 people return homes in flood affected regions
Images | Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan
48,750 people have already returned their homes in flood affected regions. This is what Official Spokesperson of the Kazakh Emergencies Ministry Askar Sharip said a briefing today, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Flood situation stabilized in Altai district of the East Kazakhstan region. Water was pumped out from almost flooded households, with 370 sandbags used and 1,335 tons of inert materials laid. Water level on the rivers does not exceed a danger point. Bank protection works are ongoing in Atyrau region. Water has been pumped out from 176 households in Kulsary in the past five days," Askar Sharip said.
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Water has been pumped out from 8,378 residential buildings and 2,994 households. 48,750 people have already returned their homes. 14,251 people are involved in rescue and emergency operation as well as in flood relief efforts.
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8,821 staying at evacuation centers in N Kazakhstan
Images | gov.kz
3,898 homes were affected by floods in North Kazakhstan with 2,830 still inundated. 14,388 people were evacuated. Of which 5,567 people already returned home, while 8,821 people are staying at temporary shelters, Kazinform News Agency reports.
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1,473 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to North Kazakhstan from all over the country as well as from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
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Kazakhstan’s ex-Minister of Internal Affairs Yerlan Turgumbayev arrested for 2 months
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Ex-Minister of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan Yerlan Turgumbayev has been arrested for two months, as per Astana city’s Specialized Court warrant as of April 30, 2024, Kazinform News Agency learned from the Prosecutor General’s Office.
Other information is not subject to disclosure in accordance with Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Earlier, the Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed detention of the former Kazakh Minister.
It was reported that on March 20 he was questioned by the prosecution authorities.
Upon completion of his accreditation at the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, he returned to Astana where he became a criminal case defendant.
Yerlan Turgumbayev was the Minister of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan from 2019 to February 2022. Later, he was the Advisor to the President of Kazakhstan for a six-month period, and in 2023, he was appointed the Advisor at the SCO RATS.
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